Transporting an animal that can grow to is a specialized engineering feat. Young giraffe for sale at exotic animal auction - Facebook

If you are looking to purchase a giraffe, your search will likely lead you to two primary hubs: or South Africa .

The legal "where" is just as important as the physical "where."

In many places, such as the UAE , private ownership of exotic animals like giraffes is strictly prohibited under federal law, with fines reaching up to Dh700,000 .

In South Africa, giraffes are more common on private game reserves. Prices there are significantly lower—around R14,500 to R25,000 ($800 to $1,400 USD)—but the cost of international export and quarantine would likely triple the final price. 2. The Red Tape: Permits and Laws